Jerrie Sue Mathews

Jerrie Sue Mathews, 71, of Gulfport passed away Monday, April 11, 2016 of a short illness. She is preceded in death by her parents, Johnie Elmer Welch and bertha Inez Welch. She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Jerome Spencer Mathews; her daughter, Esther Gras and her husband Mike; and granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Gras and her expected great granddaughter; her siblings, Johnnie Holley of Biloxi, Sharon Parker of D’Iberville, Don Welch of Ocean Springs, Jackie Scarborough of Gulfport, and John David Welch of Vancleave; her loving aunts, Jewel West, Dorothy Sanford and Shaunah Alexander; and her best friend, Julie Lee of San Antonia, TX. She will be remembered by family and friends for her zest for life, and her compassionate and loving heart. She was a dynamic business woman. She was owner and operator with her husband of Universal Health Club and New Woman Fitness Center. She gave her time through volunteer work for the community. She was a member of Beth Israel Synagogue. She believed in the importance of faith and family. She was the glue that held her sisters together. She was a leader and shared her knowledge willingly and excitingly. She was never judgmental and felt everyone has a journey in life to fulfill and that life has meaning and purpose. She was a loving wife, mother, and Nan. There will be a graveside service Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi. In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Huntsman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com